Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Crowe calls for radical overhaul of electoral register

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has reaffirmed Sinn Fein's support for a radical
overhaul of the electoral register. Speaking in the Dáil this evening
Deputy Crowe said, "Addressing the deficiencies in the register has clearly
not been a priority for the Government to date."

He said, "I welcome the opportunity to reaffirm Sinn Fein's support for
reform of the electoral register and for the instigation of proactive voter
registration drives to ensure all eligible voters are registered and able to
vote.

"Sinn Féin is calling for the instigation of ongoing and systematic voter
registration drives anchored by Local Authorities. They must be given the
resources, including personnel, facilities and funds in order to carry out
this vital work. Voter registration is best handled by local authorities.
They have vital local knowledge.

"There also must be an increased emphasis on voter education. Voter
education campaigns should place a particular emphasis on areas with low
levels of registration and low voter turnout. Additional resources need to
be put in place for the registeration of young people. It is a scandal that
so many eligible young voters are not on the register.

"The deficiencies in the register have clearly not been a priority for this
Government. Legislative changes by this Government have actually made it
more difficult for people to get on the register. I am calling for a radical
overhaul of the electoral register to give all potential voters an
opportunity to use their vote in the next election." ENDS